The Houston Astros (19-11) seek their 9th win in a row when they take on the Minnesota Twins (18-12) Wednesday. First pitch is set for 7:40 p.m. ET at Target Field. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Astros vs. Twins odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Astros lead 1-0
Houston won Tuesday’s game 5-0 and has allowed a total of just 8 runs during its 8-game win streak.
The Twins have also been hot with a 14-4 record over their last 18 games after a slow start.
Astros at Twins projected starters
RHP Jose Urquidy vs. RHP Chris Archer
Jose Urquidy (2-1, 4.56 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 1.36 WHIP, 1.4 BB/9 and 5.6 K/9 through 25 2/3 IP.
- Is showing pinpoint control but not missing a lot of bats, with 3 strikeouts or fewer in 4 of his 5 outings.
- Has surrendered 11 earned runs and 3 home runs across 14 IP while striking out 10 in 3 road starts.
Archer (0-0, 3.26 ERA) makes his 6th start of the season. He has a 1.29 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9 through 19 1/3 IP.
- He has held the opposition to 2 earned runs or fewer in each start but has yet to make it through the 5th inning.
- He recorded season-highs in both strikeouts (6) and swinging strikes (13) last time out against Baltimore.
Astros at Twins odds and lines
- Money line (ML): Astros -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Twins +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros -1.5 (+125) | Twins +1.5 (-155)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -120)
Astros at Twins picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 5, Twins 4
Money line
The Astros have been red hot and they are 10-7 in road games on the season. Archer has already served up 5 home runs in 19 1/3 IP, and the Houston bats should be able to do some damage against him. Side with the ASTROS (-130).
Run line/Against the spread
The Astros have had their fair share of tight games, as 12 of their 30 games, including 7 of their wins, have been decided by just a single run. This sets up as another close one and there’s not enough value in the run line even though the Astros should come out on top PASS.
Over/Under
The Under is 4-0-1 in Minnesota’s last five contests and 13-2 in Houston’s last 15 games. However, both of these starting pitchers have displayed marginal skills this season.
Urquidy isn’t missing bats, Archer is walking a lot of batters, and both are allowing a lot of loud contact. Despite the recent trends, look for this total to go OVER 8.5 (-105).
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